GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
THE Christ of God, My Chosen Son: Lk 9,18-36
The Christ of God, 9,18-27
We saw in the overview how 9,51 is the major turning point in this Gospel as Jesus resolutely sets out for Jerusalem. With that in mind, compare 9,18 with Mark 8,27, considering how Luke has changed the emphasis of Mark.
Then look at the whole passage Luke 9,18-36, including the Transfiguration (9,28-36). We need to establish its unity. What are the different parts? Look at the various references to time given by Luke. Why is 9,28 more a connection whereas 9,37 is more of a break? Note how Luke has edited Mk 9,9.
Can you discover an overall unity and a theme developing? See Romans 8,17.
Now compare the first part Luke 9,18-21 with Mark 8,27-30 and especially Matthew 16,13-20. It is in these verses that there is most variation between the evangelists. What is special to Luke and what has Luke omitted?
How is 9,18 typical of Luke (see 6,12; 11,1 as well as other places). Look also at 9,7-8 how does it prepare for this scene? Note especially what Peter says and look at 4,18. What is the point of the command in verse 21? What conclusions can you draw?
Now do the same for the second half of the passage, comparing Luke 9,22-27 with Mark 8,31-38 and Matthew 16,21-28. Again, what conclusions do you draw about Luke's distinctive emphases?
Then go to my response.
The Transfiguration, 9,28-36
All three Synoptic Gospels relate the Transfiguration as the climax of this section about who Jesus is. Note though how Luke has a less specific connector than the other evangelists. How is 9,28 linked with 9,20? And look too at 3,21-22.
In fact, there are many differences between Luke and the other two evangelists. Compare carefully Luke's account with Mark's (Mk 9,2-8). Reflect on the similarities and the differences.
What is the importance of mountains - in general (for example, Exodus 19,20 or 1 Kings 19,11) and for Jesus (6,12). How has Luke altered Mark? Why is this mountain not named?
Note that 9,29 has also been changed from Mark 9,3. Consider why (look at Exodus 34,29.)
What might be the significance of Moses and Elijah? You may be aware of the traditional answer but there is more to it. See for Moses 16,31 and 24,25-27. For Elijah, see 4,26
9,31 has a significant addition which is followed up by 9,32 - see the link with 22,45-46.
9,31-32 are special to Luke. Look at the link with 22,45.
What might be the significance of the three tents suggested by Peter (9,33)?
Consider how the cloud recalls Exodus 13,21 & 19,9.
9,35 recalls the baptism 3,22. Once again there is a difference with Mark in what the voice says. See Numbers 16,7 and Isaiah 41,9.
"Listen to him": see Deuteronomy 18,15 and Acts 3,22.
How does this scene conclude (9,36, compare Mark 9,9-10)? Look back too to 9,21.
Now look at my response.
The Sunday Gospel
Luke 9,18-24 is read on the 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time though verses 25-27 are omitted. As so often, we can only wonder why.
Unusually if not uniquely, this Gospel of Peter's "confession" that Jesus is the Christ is read in all three years of the Sunday cycle. For Matthew (Mt 16,13-28) it is read in two parts, on the 21st and 22nd Sundays in cycle A; in Mark (Mk 8,27-35) it is read on the 24th Sunday in cycle B. Reflect though on why is this passage so important to the Church.
The Old Testament reading is Zechariah 12,10-11;31,1. As usual, read the passage in your Bibles and note the missing verses. Look then look at John 19,34-37 and Apocalypse 1,7 for its application in the New Testament.
Then reflect on how this reading accompanies this Gospel.
The Transfiguration scene which follows is read on the 2nd Sunday of Lent and also on the feast on 6th August (which takes precedence if it falls on a Sunday).
Then go to my response.
We can now move on to the final verses before Jesus departs for Jerusalem in 9,51.